The two-seat forstars previews the exterior styling set for the next generation of Smart models. Those include the third-generation fortwo and second-generation forfour, both of which are being developed and will be produced in co-operation with Renault. The French automaker will get its own uniquely bodied versions of the new cars.

The forstars concept uses the same rear-engine/rear-wheel-drive mechanical package as the for-us pickup concept shown at the Detroit show in January.

The forstars also hints at what Smart describes as a new sport-utility coupe model that is under consideration as an affordable rival to the likes of the upcoming Volkswagen CrossUp.

"The intention is there, but nothing is decided at this stage," a high-ranking Smart source said when questioned about the likelihood of the forstars making production. "We can't ignore the fact that SUV sales continue to grow and will likely continue to do so in the near future."

The German-based Smart, which has production facilities in France, first announced plans for a SUV in 2002 with the so-called formore. However, plans for the Mercedes-Benz C-class-based five-seater, which was to be built in Brazil, were abandoned during a reorganization of Smart before the concept vehicle was planned to debut at the 2005 Frankfurt motor show.

While considerably smaller, Smart's latest concept sets out to fill a similar market niche.

The forstars, named because its glass roof allows occupants to peer into the night sky, has styling similar to the for-us. Changes include a new front look featuring oversized headlamps aimed at adding visual aggression, a lowered windshield header and a forward-angled B-pillar. The glass hatch opens upward, while a power tailgate section lowers vertically next to the rear bumper to reveal a 35.4-inch-long cargo area.

The exterior, credited to a team of in-house designers working under Mercedes-Benz advanced design chief Steffen Koehl, retains the familiar two-tone, red-and-black theme that has been a signature of all Smart models since the launch of the original fortwo in 1998.

Details, such as the shape of the headlights and taillamps, recall the look on the Smart forvision revealed at the 2011 Frankfurt show and set to show up on the next-gen fortwo.

Helping to accentuate the sport-utility theme are large wheel wells filled with 21-inch wheels shod with 245/35 tires.

At 139.8 inches long, 67.3 inches wide and 67.0 inches tall, the forstars is 33.7 inches longer, 8.0 inches wider and 1.4 inches shorter than the current fortwo. It also rides on a wheelbase that has been extended by 23.7 inches, while the tracks have been widened by 7.6 inches at the front and 3.5 inches at the rear.

Mercedes-Benz sources say that the concept car's basic dimensions closely mirror those of the second-generation forfour, which is due out in 2014 and set to be produced in Renault's Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia.

Inside, there is a flamboyantly styled two- seat interior. Among the auto show gimmicks on the forstars is a projector mounted within the hood's air duct. It can be controlled from inside the car to project videos on nearby walls. Taking the place of the traditional rearview mirror is an iPhone, which slots into a dedicated holder and projects images captured by a rear-facing camera.

Power for the forstars concept comes from the same plug-in electric system introduced on the Smart fortwo Brabus electric drive. It uses a brushless electric motor mounted at the rear producing 80 hp and 96 lb-ft of torque, together with a 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery that can charged via plug-in electricity and brake regeneration. Smart says the top speed is 81 mph.

The 2012 Paris motor show, or as it is officially known – Mondail de l’Automobile – will take place September 27 through October 14, 2012. It occurs every two years alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. The Paris motor show is a spotlight for the latest in design, but automakers will also be showing off their latest concept cars, green cars and supercars.